“J.M.S.,” or to give him his full name Joseph Morewood Staniforth, was born May 16, 1863, and was the son of the Joseph Staniforth, who for a number, of years carried cutlery business at Caroline Street, Cardiff. He received his education at St John’s Schools, and at the early age of fifteen was apprenticed in the lithographic department of the “Western Mail.” Those who remember him at that now far-off time say that Joseph was an extremely nice and intelligent lad. He attended to his work most faithfully and developed a positive passion for learning and “getting on.” He soon showed signs of ability as a draughtsman and was an eager student at the local art classes.

Image 1: Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Image 2: Ten-Days Bag (Western Mail, 13th July 1916), JMS
Image 3: ‘No change’ (May 12, 1903), JMS